Politics
Paraguay: Thin edge of the wedge?
Fernando Lugo, the deposed Paraguayan president, says he is aiming to return to power and is rallying allies at home and abroad to push congress to reverse a vote removing him from office that he and many others are calling a break with democracy and proper legal procedures. Lugo. 61, has created a parallel cabinet, attacking the legitimacy of the government that replaced him.
Red Carpet for Aung San Suu Kyi in Britain, but nobody is mentioning Nonviolence
“If you are feeling helpless help someone”. Words of wisdom from Burma’s icon of the struggle for Democracy. Long years under house arrest and some prison, but she refused offers to leave, as her detention was the best nonviolent strategy to produce change. Now everybody wants their picture taken with her but not much is said about her chosen methodology.
Humanist Party Manifesto
Our manifesto offers Humanist Party candidates and activists a useful and adaptable platform that challenges the status quo where-ever, bringing into play a Greening and a Humanizing relevant today. Our proposals are are alternatives to what those of the old mentality propose, with their vague and empty promises as they shuffle for prestigious, high paid jobs.
Need to Focus More on Preventive Diplomacy
Short of passionately pleading for a profound change in the military-oriented mind-sets of decision-makers, SIPRI Director has called for a “far greater focus on less militarized solutions” to the global security challenges ahead, and for “an innovative integration of preventive diplomacy, pre-emptive and early-warning technologies, and cooperative transnational partnerships.”
Egypt: New Adverts on State-run TV Play on Fears of Foreigners
In recent days a series of controversial public service announcements aired on state-owned TV channels in Egypt, angering Egyptians and foreigners alike. The advertisements, which warn Egyptians against talking to foreigners “because they might be spies”, have been slammed for being “shallow” and inflammatory.
Syria – Houla Massacre Revisited
Pressenza, in communication with writers detailing points of view unaligned with the ‘taken’ media, republishes here two opinion pieces on the issue of the Houla Massacre. The standard media reports are otherwise following the line that it is the Syrian regime that was responsible and is not bothering to correct that view.
The rise of racism and sectarian violence. Humanism and Nonviolence must give stronger responses
Are we in a pre-widespread war or pre-genocide(s) moment? Or both? In the 1930’s several nations – amongst them the USA and Germany – suffered economic collapse and with it some of the worst examples of racially motivated slaughters recorded in history. And then, WW2. There are lessons to be learned and urgent work to be done to stop history repeating itself.